Bill Monroe

Bill Monroe (born September 13, 1911, Rosine, Kentucky, USA - died September 9, 1996, Springfield, Tennessee, USA) was an American mandolinist who pioneered bluegrass music (which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys") and often referred to as "the father of bluegrass." Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader.